Kindle
Hidden Potential: How to Listen to Books on Your Supernote Nomad
*Remember my rant about the microSD expansion on the Supernote? It appears that it’s not as limited as I thought.
Yesterday, I was feeling a bit frustrated, as I couldn’t figure out the full potential of a using a microSD card on my Supernote Nomad (A6X2). But today, I stumbled upon something that started to change my perspective.
It turns out the Amazon Kindle app has a hidden gem: the setting that lets you save all your books directly to the expansion card on your phone also exists on the Supernote. To activate it, simply open the Kindle app, go to ‘More’, and then ‘Settings’. There, you’ll find the option ‘Download to SD Card’.
After enabling this setting, I checked the card and found a new Android folder that looked remarkably similar to the one on my phone. That’s interesting to learn.
Finally, I went to the Supernote storage settings and confirmed that the card was indeed being used. But there’s more!
Now that the books are being stored on the card, I decided it would be worth it to try downloading and check if I could listen to audiobooks. There’s no headphone jack on the Supernote, but it is possible to connect a headset via Bluetooth, and I had to try this. By the way, there’s also an option in the settings to auto-download your audiobooks.
And the answer is yes, it is possible to listen to audiobooks. That microSD card is starting to look more promising now.
The first time I used an e-Ink screen device to write an article.
I’m torn. Part of me wants to make this work because that screen is so good, but at the same time, the writing experience is not as convenient as opening my MacBook Air and starting to type.
My obsession with how simple it is to sit down anywhere, open a lid, and start typing began with an 11-inch MacBook Air back in 2012. I loved that computer. It traveled with me around the globe, allowing me to write books, articles, and blog posts wherever I was. Furthermore, its size was perfect for trains and plane tray tables.
It was eventually replaced by the M1 Air, which is a little bigger, but I still carry it with me to far too many places. Regarding the small screen of both computers, it was never a problem since I always had an external display at my office.
And, yes, I have tried an iPad, but, regardless of what Apple claims, that’s not a computer. Mostly because of iPadOS limitation. Anyway, I quickly stopped using it because, more often than not, I had to also pack my laptop for the non-writing work. So, why bring two devices with me if I can do a much better job with just the MacBook Air.
Enters the Supernote
The Nomad, which is the one I have, is a little bigger than a Kindle, but much smaller and thinner than an iPad. It has an e-Ink screen and the Kindle app. And talking about reading, I love my Kindle and keep it in my bag all the time. Can you see where I’m going with this? But before that, let’s talk about my first attempt to organize my notes in the Supernote (video below).
I’m trying my best to document and share my learning process, but inevitably the videos about the Supernote will always be a few days and many features behind my real-life experience. So, what I showed in the video above has already evolved to a system that I’m thrilled with.
I’m easily capturing and organizing my ideas like never before. There’s almost no friction and, of course, I’ll publish a new video about it in the following days. Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that with the above solved, I thought I could probably give the Nomad an extra job.
Yesterday I packed a generic foldable Bluetooth keyboard and a tablet stand and went to a coffee shop. Writers tend to spend far too much time looking at screens, and that combined with the time I spend editing videos has taken a toll on my eyes. So, the first thing I felt when using the Supernote to write was an immense relief. The comfort is almost indescribable. What a gorgeous screen to look at.
However, before that, I had grabbed the Supernote pen, navigated to the article, unfolded a keyboard, unfolded a stand, and only then start typing. Arguably, there are also many steps when using a laptop, but it is a single piece of equipment and there’s no need to lift the hands off the keyboard and trackpad to get to the app and start writing.
Extra gear and fewer features
Using the Kindle app on the iPad was never an option because of the screen, but I can now leave my beloved Kindle behind, and make room for the Supernote.
However, if my goal is to write long texts when away from my home or office, I’ll have to always carry that keyboard and stand with me. I’ll also miss some useful tools, like LanguageTool. Not to mention that I have already expressed my negative thoughts about devices like this.
Fortunately, I’m already old enough to understand that only the fool never changes their minds. Maybe less strain on my eyes and a more mindful writing experience is what I need for a while.
The only way to know it for sure is by trying, and if this extra job I’m giving the Supernote ends up failing, I’ll be fine with it. Like I mentioned above, this lovely device has already become my quick go-to notepad for jotting down and organizing ideas. In other words, it’s already in my everyday bag, coming with me everywhere.
The first book of 2024
I still prefer eBooks and my Kindle for a multitude of reasons, but #bookstores and used bookstores are still the kings of discoverability. I found this one in a random store during my last trip, and I am really enjoying it (affiliate link).
Prisoners Of Geography: Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Global Politics by Tim Marshall.
